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3. bring it back together Reattach the head. Add grease to the end of the main screw’s shaft before reinstalling the handle head. Nylon washers can be used as spacers to take up any play in the shaft (left). You can replace the original pin with a roll pin (above). the bottom. You’ll often find jaws that are racked out of parallel. If the difference is 1⁄16 in. or less, you can correct it by adding wooden jaw pads and tapering them to compensate—I always add pads anyway. Anything much more than 1⁄16 in., though, is a major misalignment that’s not worth trying to correct. Give it a good cleaning Once you have the vise, the refurbishing process is quite simple. It begins with a complete disassembly and thorough cleaning. As I disassemble I always take photos so it’s easy to ensure that all the parts go back together in the right order and orientation. Parts that are bolted together can be stubborn, but penetrating oil, patience, and a big wrench should get them loose. If the spindle head casting is pinned to the screw, knock out the pin with a hammer and punch. A pin that won’t budge can be drilled out and replaced. In cases where the head casting is pressed on, it’s probably better left attached. Clean the main screw on a wire wheel to remove any rust or grime, and do the same to the guide rods and any other unpainted parts. Clean the mating threads on the quick-release mechanism too. They are often made of a softer material, so instead of using the wire wheel, I go with hand power, using a small brass-bristle brush with a little degreaser. Once all the threads are clean, wipe them down with paste wax to keep them from rusting again. The condition of the main cast-iron parts determines their treat- ment. Usually all that’s needed prior to painting is a good scrubbing with degreaser and a brush or rag. If the castings have moderate rust, use a wire brush to clean it off. For really rough, rusty parts, use a wire wheel in a power drill or on a bench grinder. I don’t aim for cosmetically flawless surfaces—to me, this is a tool that’s made for tough work, and it doesn’t need to look perfect. Wax away. Coat any exposed metal with paste wax to promote smooth sliding and inhibit rust. Careful assembly. With the parts painted and prepped, follow your photo trail for an error-free assembly. Tools & shops 2016 65